Register Now

In order to be able to post messages on the German Shepherd Dog Forums forums, you must first register.
Please enter your desired user name, your email address and other required details in the form below.

User Name:

Password

Please enter a password for your user account. Note that passwords are case-sensitive.

Password:

Confirm Password:

Email Address

Please enter a valid email address for yourself.

Email Address:

Log-in

User Name

Remember Me?

Password

Human Verification

In order to verify that you are a human and not a spam bot, please enter the answer into the following box below based on the instructions contained in the graphic.

Additional Options

Miscellaneous Options

Automatically parse links in text

Automatically embed media (requires automatic parsing of links in text to be on).

Automatically retrieve titles from external links

Topic Review (Newest First)

02-20-2014 10:58 AM

NSweet

Oh yeah I won't use the pinch for that.

02-20-2014 10:15 AM

brightspot

Off-leash is best for complete physical tiredness. But, you could use a long line for a leash. She'll be able to run around a little more but still be leashed. If she pulls too much on the long line, you can just stop to show her you disapprove of pulling and she can't go anywhere until she gives slack in the leash.

There are plenty of posts here about nice leash walking. Start out right by not letting her pull. She'll get a real kick out of a "sniff" walk and you won't get a ticket!

Others may chime in -- but I wouldn't use the pinch collar for this. Get a martingale if you're worried about her slipping the collar.

02-20-2014 09:46 AM

NSweet

Would leash hiking be okay still or should I really find somewhere where it is allowed? Texas is kinda strict on leash laws from what I hear. I might put a backpack on her but with nothing on it just so she gets used to having it on her and doesn't freak out when I do put it on later.

02-20-2014 09:34 AM

belladonnalily

I did lots of 2-4 mile hikes last summer with my pup. I didn't add weight though. This summer I'm going to let him wear a backpack and carry some water, but we'll build up. He will be 1 in April.

Just looked up the website for the park and it is only leashed dogs :/

02-20-2014 02:22 AM

sourdough44

If off leash, you may walk 2 miles, the dog goes about 6 with all the zig-zaging. Where safe to do so, off leash walking is great fun for the dog. You can sit at times & see if the dog needs a break.

02-19-2014 11:54 AM

NSweet

Ok so no weight on her sounds great! Oh yeah I will take a TON of pictures I'm not sure if I can walk her off leash but I probably can't

02-19-2014 11:43 AM

brightspot

Have fun! I agree with no weight in her backpack, but you should take a small backpack with water, treats, and her favorite squeeky toy. Will she be off leash? I started my pup at 4 months old at our off-leash area with flat "hikes" of about a mile. He, however, went about 3 miles with running around and sniffing. He didn't show he was tired, but fell asleep immediately when we got in the car. He is 10 months old now and we're up to 6 mile hikes with steep hills and snow. Hiking is great fun!

02-19-2014 11:21 AM

stmcfred

I wouldn't add weight. But hiking is fine. I take my 6 month old on trail walks for hours and she loves it

02-19-2014 11:18 AM

Liz&Anna

I've hiked my dog for HOURS before, she's 6 months old and has gone as far at 6 miles with a large elevation and in the snow- that being said I know my dog very well and I know when she is tired. They will all have there own limits. I never push her to do more then I think she can. Also I wouldn't hike your pup with any weight at all especially if you are going far, I learned that from the forum (I'm guilty of doing the same thing)